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Spring cleaning without all the rules

Most aren’t, though more certainly are trying probably thanks in part to Marie Kondo, the world-wide sensation who encourages all of us to toss any possessions that don’t spark joy. A recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute showed a record 77 percent of households plan to tackle their mess.

But here comes another decluttering movement – or concept -- and it’s not from Kondo.

Value Village, with thrift stores in the U.S. and Canada, has teamed with Orlando Soria, an interior designer, author and self-proclaimed “King of Decluttering” to share ideas for what it calls the Neat-ish decluttering movement. Soria wrote “An Interior Designer’s Guide to Creating Your Best Life” and will star in a new HGTV series “Unspouse My House” in June.

“As an interior designer, I'm no stranger to decluttering, but trying to be perfect can be overwhelming and strip away a home's unique style and personality,” Soria said. “With the Neat-ish movement, we want you to feel supported, not more stressed out. Because no matter your decorating style, your house should represent you.”

Soria and Value Village offer these tips:

* There’s no one “right” way to declutter, except responsibly. Organize your own way. Forget book limits and fold your T-shirts however you see fit. Your house should still feel like your home, just a little more neat-ish.

* Don’t stress over decluttering. Invite friends or family to help. If your closet is a mess, sukytrike your best pose while modeling each questionable item, then put it in the keep or donate pile.

* Make organizing your own repeatable ritual, and it will get easier.

* For every new item that comes into your home, consider parting with another.

* Whether it’s monthly or seasonal, find a decluttering routine that works for you.

* Stay on track by setting up a notification on your phone or a big red circle on a date on your calendar.

A recent survey by the American Cleaning Institute shows a record 77 percent of households plan to clean up and clear out their mess.

Linda Miller

Linda Miller always has loved makeup and fashion, especially shoes and handbags. She admits to owning more lipsticks and glosses than many makeup artists, but she's not giving up a single tube.
When she got the opportunity to move from...
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